Mar 30, 2026 10:30 PM
Flea Finds His Jazz Thing
In the relatively small pantheon of certifiable rock stars venturing into the intersection of pop music and jazz, the…
Dr. Lonnie Smith will perform at the Telluride Jazz Festival.
(Photo: )Festival International de Jazz de Montréal, which kicked off its 34th edition on June 28, will include more than 150 indoor concerts and 300-plus outdoor shows.
While the fest delves headlong into a broad range of music beyond the jazz realm, never fear. This year’s edition, which concludes on July 7, will showcase an array of artists to appeal to any taste. The opening weekend included concerts by Wayne Shorter, the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, and Charles Lloyd, who performed three times in a variety of configurations. To read DownBeat’s coverage of Lloyd’s Montreal concerts, click here.
Big names abound throughout the festival, with performances by guitarist Charlie Hunter (July 4), pianist Bill Charlap (July 5), guitarist Lionel Loueke (July 5), the Preservation Hall Jazz Band (July 5), singer-songwriter Madeleine Peyroux (July 6), guitarist John Abercrombie (July 7) and a three-night run by pianist Vijay Iyer in a variety of musical settings (July 4–6).
The festival always shines a spotlight on Canada’s incredible talent base. This year features performances by vocalist Nikki Yanofsky (July 4–6), guitarist Alain Caron (July 3) and pianist Oliver Jones (July 5–6), just to name a few.
Festival organizers have dedicated this year’s fest to the memory of pianist and composer Dave Brubeck, who passed away on Dec. 5, 2012. Brubeck played the festival 14 times. The Brubeck Brothers Quartet (featuring Dave’s sons) will play a tribute to the iconic pianist on July 7.
Check out the complete musical schedule for this year’s festival at montrealjazzfest.com.
As soon as the Montreal fest closes, some road-tripping fans start planning for the trek to Colorado for the 37th Annual Telluride Jazz Festival, taking place Aug. 2–4.
This year’s Telluride guest of honor is Hammond B3 organ master Dr. Lonnie Smith, who recently released a live trio album, The Healer, and who has recorded a forthcoming octet album, In The Beginning. He’ll be honored with a reception on Aug. 1 and perform at the fest on Aug. 2–3.
Guitarist John Scofield’s Uberjam Band (with Andy Hess, Avi Bortnick and Adam Deitch) will perform on Aug. 2, and bassist Stanley Clarke will lead his band on Aug. 3.
The music of New Orleans will be the focus on Aug. 4, with performances by Galactic, the Stooges Brass Band and the New Orleans Suspects, which includes “Mean” Willie Green (drummer for the Neville Brothers), Reggie Scanlan (bassist in the Radiators), Jake Eckert (lead guitarist in the Dirty Dozen Brass Band), CR Gruver (pianist from Outformation) and Jeff Watkins (the former leader of James Brown’s band).
The festival also includes special events such as wine tastings, yoga classes and activities for kids. More information and a complete lineup is posted at the fest’s website.
—Bobby Reed
“Cerebral and academic thought is a different way to approach music,” Flea says of his continuing dive into jazz. “I’ve always relied on emotion and intuition and physicality.”
Mar 30, 2026 10:30 PM
In the relatively small pantheon of certifiable rock stars venturing into the intersection of pop music and jazz, the…
Cécile McLorin Salvant busts out Jelly Roll Morton’s “The Murder Ballad” at Big Ears, here with pianist Sullivan Fortner.
Apr 7, 2026 1:21 PM
There’s pluralism, then there’s PLURALISM! — and then there’s Big Ears. Thurston Moore, who participated in…
Each of the 25 JAMs has delivered a poster featuring a jazz legend that is sent out to schools across the nation. This year’s poster features Tony Bennett.
Mar 30, 2026 10:20 PM
Every April for the past quarter century, something remarkable has happened across the United States and far beyond.…
“We thought it’s important that Ronin has a new statement,” said Nik Bärtsch of his band’s latest album, Spin. “The sound is differently produced, so it reflects more of who we are.”
Apr 21, 2026 10:00 AM
Nik Bärtsch cuts an imposing figure on stage. He’s unmistakable with his soul patch, shaven head and black attire.…
Bollani demonstrates at the piano during a live Blindfold Test in Umbria, Italy, while writer Ashley Kahn, right, and translator Greg Burk look on.
Mar 24, 2026 11:42 AM
Raconteur, bon vivant and popular television host Stefano Bollani is also one of Italy’s best-known pianists, a rare…
